This post features student writing.

This morning, we ate breakfast at the guesthouse and then headed to AVEH. Most of us walked but Georgia and Portia took advantage of the beautiful morning to run there. The group split between entertaining some of the kids and transporting the dirt. A few of the kids were having a difficult day so spending time with them was a little more taxing than usual, but we still had a great time. While moving the dirt in wheelbarrows and listening to music, we attracted the attention of some local kids. They were very excited to get rides in the wheelbarrows from anyone who would give it. At the conclusion of our work, Cecile, the founder of AVEH, gave us an in-depth look at the history and functions of the organization, as well as giving us insight into all of the individual patients in the compound. We were lucky enough to meet and connect with the original church group that supported Cecile in her endeavors over the last nine years. When the meeting ended, we all received a blessing and a thank you for our contributions. In the afternoon, everyone had a lazy few hours of reading, napping, and doing laundry. After dinner, we had a group meeting about the Ntarama Church Memorial we were going to see the next day, and its role in collective recovery from the genocide. Everyone then headed to bed, the girls having their first night with new roommates.

— Georgia & Izzy